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JEWISH FAIRY TALES 


JN EXCELLENT "PHIZE ROOK, 4/6 

JEWISH FAIRY TALES 
AND FABLES 

®» jiutmr voioau 

Illastrated by E. STRELLETT and J. MARKS 
Square Croton 8vo. Handsome Illustrated Cover. Cloth , 2 a. 6d. 

“ Children, both Hebrew and Christian, into whose hands it 
may fall, will agree that it ought to have a companion volume. 

- — Pall Mall Gazette. 

" They are not merely of passing interest, but are of the stuff 
that winds into the fibre of those who read them.” — Daily News. 

44 This little book is perhaps mainly intended to give Jewish 
children a chance of learning some of the beautiful stories to be 
found in Jewish folk-lore and legends ; all the same they will 
be welcome to children of the Gcntiies also.” — Publishers 
Circular. 

“ Non -Jewish readers will enjoy in the possession of this 
altogether charming volume one of the few opportunities which 
are afforded to experience, in the medium of the vernacular, the 
human interest of the Rabbinical writings.” — Liverpool Post. 

“ Its attractive 4 get-up ’ and the excellence of its contents 
combine to render it an ideal gift-book, and we may add that it 
is not only Jewish children who will be delighted to possess it.** 
— Jewish World. 

' 44 Though intended primarily for Hebrew children, it should 
have, as it deserves, a warm welcome from those who are not of 
the ancient faith.” — Cassell’s General Press. 


LONDON: ROBERT SCOTT, PATERNOSTER ROW, E.C. 


Jewish Fairy Stories 


TRANSLATED BY 

GERALD FRIEDLANDER 


ILLUSTRATED BY 

BEATRICE HIRSCHFELD 


BLOCH PUBLISHING COMPANY 
NEW YORK 


18 - 


Preface 




|HE tales in this book have been 
gathered together from various 
Jewish writings. The translation is 
not literal in an y sense of the word. 
In fact, each story has been recast and pre- 
sented in a modern setting. Some of the 
stories are fairy tales. Jewish fairy tales reveal 
an aspect of the J ewish soul in much the same 
way as the various national fairy tales embody 
something of the spirit of the different peoples 
and nations. G. F. 


September , 1917 . 


MAR 23 1918 f 

COPYilSaHT Oiwz 

*r» r m 


vi 


Contents 


PAGE 

King Solomon and the Worm (from the Babylonian 

Talmud) ....... 3 

Falsehood and Wickedness (from the Yalkuf) * 19 ^ 

The Wicked King and his Bride (from the Ma'aseh 

Book) 25 

The Two Jewels [from the Shebet Jehudah) . . 43 

The Beggar at the Wedding (from the Midrash 

Tanchuma) 53 

The Clever Wife (from the Yalkut) ... 69 

The Coins of Elijah (from the Yalkut). . . 77 

The Fox and the Raven (from R. Berachy ah’s Fox 

Fables) 87 


List of Illustrations 


Benaiah setting out on his journey 
The Queen sprinkling the Water of Life on Chaninah 
Abraham being carried to his new quarters 
Elijah bestows his gift .... 


“ Good-day, dear friend Raven " 


KING SOLOMON AND THE 
WORM 





BENAIAH SETTING OUT ON HIS JOURNEY. 


2 





King Solomon and the W orm 

ING SOLOMON, the wisest of men, 
resolved to build a temple dedi- 
cated to the glory of the God of 
Israel. He remembered the sacred 
words of Scripture : “ And if thou make me 
an altar of stone, thou shalt not build it of 
hewn stones : for if thou lift up thy tool upon 
it, thou hast polluted it ” (Exod. xx. 25). The 
tools of iron symbolized the sword, the instru- 
ment of war and death ; whilst the altar and 
temple were the symbols of peace and life. 
Solomon desired that not only the altar, but 
all the stone-work in the sacred edifice should 
be made ready for the builders at the quarry 
without using any metal implement, so that 
in the course of building the temple no instru- 
ment of iron should be employed. 

How was this wish to be realized ? Even 
Solomon, the wisest of monarchs, did not know 
how to set about his task. Again and again 
he asked himself, How is it possible to split 
3 



4 


JEWISH FAIRY TALES 


the immense blocks of stone or to cut down 
the huge trees if the workmen are not allowed 
to use metal implements ? In despair the King 
summoned his great council of state, consisting 
of the wisest men in his kingdom. He told 
them his difficulty and asked them if they 
could help him to achieve his purpose. The 
counsellors listened to the words of their 
beloved monarch in profound silence. After 
a while one of the most venerable of those 
present arose and, turning to the King, spake 
as follows : — 

“ Long live the King ! Mighty Sovereign ! 
Hast thou not heard that among the countless 
creatures of the Most High there is one which 
can serve thee as thy heart desires ? It can 
cut stone better than the sharpest tool of iron. 
I refer to the tiny but wonderful worm called 
the Shamir, or diamond insect. Dost thou not 
know, O wisest of .' rulers, how the Almighty 
created ten marvels' in the twilight of the eve 
of the first Sabbath in the week of creation ? 
Among these marvels was the worm Shamir. 
Its size is that of a grain of barley. It is 
endowed with miraculous power, for, behold ! 
it can split the hardest stone by merely touch- 
ing it. Moreover, iron is broken by its mere 
presence/ ’ 

“ Excellent wisdom is this which thou she west 


KING SOLOMON AND THE WORM 5 

forth, beloved counsellor,” cried Solomon with 
joy in his heart. “ Now tell me, where is this 
marvellous little worm to be found ? ” 

“ May thy days be as glorious as the days of 
David thy father,” replied the wise servant of 
the King, “ but more than I have already told 
thee I know not. No mortal being has ever dis- 
covered the home of the Shamir. It is useless 
to seek the information thou desirest by con- 
sulting the sons of men ; has not God bestowed 
upon thee, knowledge and understanding more 
than He has given to any one' else ? Is it for 
nought that thy wisdom exceeds that of all 
the children of men ? Art thou not ruler of 
all the spirits and demons ? Seek their aid, 
Sire ! and thou wilt find the Shamir. Invoke 
the wisest of the spirits who will reveal to thee 
even the secrets of the heavens above, of the 
earth beneath, and of the waters under the 
earth.” 

The good advice of the counsellor appealed 
with irresistible conviction to Solomon's heart, 
and after thanking his wise minister, dismissed 
his council in order to carry out the suggested 
plan. He looked at the ring on his right hand 
and read the Holy Name of God engraved 
thereon. No sooner had he pronounced the 
Divine Name than a demon appeared before 
him and, making obeisance, cried,— 


6 JEWISH FAIRY TALES 

“ What is thy wish, Solomon, King of 
Israel ? ” 

“ I command thee,” said Solomon, “ to tell 
me where is the worm Shamir to be found ? ” 

In a trembling voice the demon replied,— 

“ Mighty King of man and spirits ! I am 
thy servant, I will always obey thee if I have 
the power so to do. Be not angry with me, for 
I fear I cannot help thee now. The secret thou 
desirest to know has not been revealed to any 
of the inferior demons. It is only Ashmodai 
our King who is in possession of the secret.” 

“ Tell me,” interrupted King Solomon, 
" where does Ashmodai, the King of the demons 
dwell ? ” 

“ May it please your gracious Majesty,” the 
demon responded, “ Ashmodai lives far, far 
away from the haunts of men. His palace is 
built on the top of a very high mountain. 
In this same mountain he has had a very deep 
well dug. Daily he fetches his drinking water 
from this well. When he has obtained sufficient 
water for his immediate needs, he closes up the 
mouth of the well with an enormous rock which 
he seals with his signet-ring. He then flies 
up to heaven to receive the orders of those who 
are his superiors. His tasks take him to the 
ends of the earth, even beyond the great sea. 
With the going down of the sun in the west, 


KING SOLOMON AND THE WORM 7 


he returns to his own home. He examines 
very carefully the seal on the rock at the mouth 
of the well, in order to find out if it ' has been 
tampered with in his absence. He then pro- 
ceeds to uncover the well and he partakes of 
the water. Having quenched his thirst he 
covers up again the mouth of the well and seals 
it afresh.” 

King Solomon sat on his wonderful throne of 
gold whilst the demon told his tale. Not a 
word escaped the memory of 'the wise King. 
He then dismissed the demon, who disappeared 
in less than a second. Thereupon Solomon 
summoned to his presence his brave captain 
and friend Benaiah, son of Jehoiada. He told 
him briefly the nature of the task he was chosen 
to undertake, saying, — • 

“ Go, trusty servant Benaiah, and capture 
Ashmodai, the King of the demons, and bring 
him before my presence. To assist thee in 
thy arduous and perilous undertaking I will 
give thee this golden chain on the links of 
which the letters forming the Divine Name 
are engraved. I also will entrust to thy care 
my signet-ring which is also engraved with the 
Holy Name of the Most High. Take with thee 
also this large bundle of white wool and these 
skins full of strong wine.” 

After giving him minute instructions about 


8 JEWISH FAIRY TALES 

the journey and the way to overcome Ash- 
modai, he sent Benaiah on his way, wishing him 
complete success in all his undertaking. 

The brave warrior, confident of success, set 
out on his dangerous expedition. After many 
days of hard riding across the great desert he 
ultimately reached his destination. Never had 
he seen such a desolate spot. In front of him 
stood the towering mountain without sign of 
any human habitation in the vicinity. The 
mountain seemed to be the abode of silence and 
death. Undaunted by the uncanny scene, 
Benaiah began the ascent of the rugged moun- 
tain with a stout heart. He feared neither 
man nor spirit, for he was wearing on his little 
finger King Solomon's signet-ring. When half- 
way up the mountain he bored a hole in order 
to discover the whereabouts. of Ashmodai’s well. 
Great was his delight when he discovered the 
position of the well. He drew off the water 
and stopped up the hole with the wool which he 
had brought with him. Quite near to this 
hole, Benaiah pierced an aperture which ran 
into the well. Through this channel he poured 
all the wine in the skins. After this labour 
was completed he concealed himself behind 
a large crag and waited impatiently for the 
arrival of the King of the demons. 

Soon after sunset Ashmodai drew nigh. He 


KING SOLOMON AND THE WORM 9 

carefully examined the seal on the rock over 
the mouth of the well and found it intact, even 
as he had left it early in the morning. After 
he had rolled away the rock, he descended into 
the well to quench his thirst. The strange 
odour of the fragrant wine overpowered him so 
that he quickly returned to the mouth of the 
well to inhale the fresh mountain air. Realiz- 
ing that the well had been tampered with, he 
again examined the seal, but it did not appear 
to have been touched. Meanwhile a burning 
thirst in his throat forced him to descend 
again in order to obtain something to drink. 
No sooner had he tasted the wine than he desired 
to drink more and more. After he had par- 
taken very freely of the strong wine, he felt 
quite drowsy. All his senses were overpowered. 
His head became heavy, his body staggered 
and his knees gave way. At last he fell to the 
ground and slept soundly. 

Benaiah now came forth from his hiding- 
place and crept very quietly to the sleeping 
demon. Without wasting a moment, the good 
captain threw the golden chain around Ash- 
modai’s neck and secured it and sealed it with 
the golden signet- ring engraved with the Divine 
Name. Benaiah sat on the ground close by 
waiting for the effects of the strong wine to 
wear off. After a while Ashmodai awoke and 


B 


10 JEWISH FAIRY TALES 

found that he was no longer free, for he saw the 
golden chain around his neck and he beheld 
the Holy Name on the seal. He uttered such 
a terrible groan that the mountain shook. In 
vain Ashmodai endeavoured to rise up. In his 
anger sparks of fire flew from his eyes and foam 
covered his mouth. 

He continued to wriggle and to struggle with 
the air, but all to no purpose. He could not 
arise. He looked at Benaiah and cried in 
bitter anger, — 

“ Is it thou who hast bewitched me ? ” 

“ Verily,” replied Benaiah, “ behold the 
Name of the Lord of lords is upon thee.” 

Ashmodai immediately became quiet and 
calm. He knew that 'he was vanquished and 
realized that all further resistance would be 
futile. He told Benaiah that he was quite 
ready to obey his orders. 

“ Come then,” cried Benaiah, “ we will go 
at once to King Solomon, thy master. Arise 
and follow me.” 

Ashmodai arose and followed Benaiah, who 
was surprised at the peculiar behaviour of his 
captive on their way to the Holy City. Wher- 
ever they passed, Ashmodai left behind him a 
trace of his might or intelligence. In one village 
he brushed against a palm tree. After its 
foliage had been shaken off by the terrific im- 


KING SOLOMON AND THE WORM n 


pact, he uprooted it with one hand. In another 
place he knocked his shoulder against a house 
and overturned it. In a market-place in a 
large town they met a happy bridal proces- 
sion. When the bride and bridegroom passed, 
Ashmodai began to weep. 

“ Why dost thou weep ? ” Benaiah asked in 
surprise. 

“ Alas ! ” replied Ashmodai, “ within three 
days the bridegroom will be a corpse. Do I 
not do well to weep ? ” 

In the next town on their journey they over- 
heard a farmer asking a bootmaker to make 
a pair of shoes which were to last him for seven 
years. Whereupon Ashmodai burst out laughing. 

“ Tell me, Ashmodai,” cried Benaiah, “ why 
dost thou laugh ? ” 

" Because the poor fellow will not wear his 
shoes" for even seven days; behold within a week 
he will die — yet he asks for shoes to last him 
seven years.” 

One day they met a blind man going astray. 
Ashmodai hastened to set him on the right 
path. He showed a similar kindness to a 
drunkard whom they met at the cross-roads. 
On another occasion they saw a magician who 
was exhibiting his skill in public. He claimed 
to be able to read the future and to disclose 
secrets. Here again Ashmodai found occasion 


12 


JEWISH FAIRY TALES 

for mirth and laughter. When Benaiah asked 
him to explain his strange conduct, he re- 
marked,— 

“ Wouldst thou not laugh also at a man 
who pretends to reveal secrets, whilst at the 
same moment he is unaware of the fact that a 
treasure lies buried at his feet? We demons 
judge persons and things according to their true 
value and not according to their deceptive 
appearance in the eyes of man/' 

After many strange adventures they finally 
came to the Holy City. Benaiah conducted 
his captive to the royal presence. As soon as 
Ashmodai beheld King Solomon, fear seized 
him and he began to tremble violently in every 
limb. He held along staff in his hand on which 
he supported himself. After his attack of 
nervousness had subsided, Ashmodai threw his 
staff before the King. 

“ What art thou doing ? ” asked Solomon. 

“ Mighty Sovereign, gracious master,” replied 
Ashmodai, “ dost thou not know that in spite 
of all thy splendour and glory thou wilt occupy 
after thy death no more space in the earth 
than is measured by yonder staff, yet thou art 
not satisfied with ruling the children of men, 
but thou must needs hold the spirits and demons 
in subjection.” 

“ Be not vexed,” Solomon said in a gentle 


KING SOLOMON AND THE WORM 13 

tone of voice ; “ thou wilt not find me a hard 
master. I merely demand one little service at 
thy hands. Know then that I wish to build a 
great Temple to the glory of the Creator of 
heaven and earth, and for this purpose I require 
the services of the wonderful worm Shamir. 
Tell me now, where can I find this tiny crea- 
ture ? ” 

“ 0 wisest of mortals,” replied Ashmodai, 
“ dost thou not really know that the Shamir 
has not been placed in my charge ? Why then 
hast thou brought me here ? ” 

“ Where is it? ” thundered Solomon; “ speak, 
slave ! and speak truly.” 

Ashmodai with a trembling voice replied,— 

“ Mighty master ! Since the days of Moses, 
who employed the Shamir when writing on the 
tablets of stone, the worm has been entrusted 
to the care of the Prince of the Sea who has 
given it into the charge of the wood-cock. The 
latter' has sworn to the Prince of the Sea to carry 
the Shamir with him at all times. The wood- 
cock lives in a big nest built on the top of a very 
lofty pinnacle in a mountain range. He has 
employed the Shamir to split the hard rock 
so as to plant seed in the clefts. The new 
vegetation which grows there is used for food 
by the wood-cock. Whenever he goes from 
his nest he takes the Shamir with him, carrying 


14 JEWISH FAIRY TALES 

it beneath his wing, mindful of his oath to the 
Prince of the Sea.” 

“ Enough,” cried Solomon; “ thou shalt abide 
with me till the Temple is built.” 

Once again King Solomon summoned his 
trusty captain Benaiah, telling him to discover 
the nest of N the wood-cock and to obtain the 
Shamir and to bring it back to the Holy 
City. 

“ Take with thee,” said the King, “ a glass 
cover, a little wool and a small leaden box. May 
thy journey be as successful this time as thy 
former one.” 

Benaiah obeyed with a glad heart all the 
instructions which King Solomon had given. 
He set out on his journey, crossing hill and dale, 
stream and desert. At last he discovered the 
nest of the bird he sought. The wood-cock was 
away on one of his expeditions. In the nest 
were the fledgelings. Benaiah now covered 
the nest with the glass cover which he 
had brought with him for this purpose. 
He then concealed himself and awaited 
events. 

When the wood-cock returned he attempted 
to enter his nest, but found himself foiled, for 
the glass was very hard and strong. He saw 
through the glass his helpless young ; and 
flapping his wings and screeching loudly tried 


KING SOLOMON AND THE WORM 15 

to break the glass. All his efforts were in vain. 
The young birds frightened by the noise also 
began to screech. 

“ What is to be done ? ” cried the wood- 
cock in the language of the birds. 

Again and again he tried to smash the glass, 
but without success. As a last resource, he 
determined to make use of the precious treasure 
entrusted to his care. He produced the Shamir 
from beneath his wing and put it on the glass 
which split into pieces as soon as it was touched 
by the wonderful worm. At that instant 
Benaiah raised a lusty cry and frightened the 
wood-cock so that he dropped the Shamir. It 
had barely fallen upon the ground when it was 
seized by Benaiah, who carefully placed it in the 
wool and secured it by putting it in the small 
leaden box which he had brought for this special 
purpose. 

Without lingering a moment, Benaiah set out 
on his homeward journey, rejoicing greatly at 
his complete success. In chagrin the wood- 
cock killed himself, fearing the terrible ven- 
geance which the Prince of the Sea would 
execute when the disappearance of the Shamir 
became known. Benaiah reached the Holy 
City in safety and delivered to King Solomon the 
wonderful worm. With its marvellous help 
the wise King built the Temple, and thereafter 


16 JEWISH FAIRY TALES 

the Shamir has disappeared and no one knows 
where it is to be found. 

(Babylonian Talmud Gitxin, 68 a andb.) 



FALSEHOOD AND WICKEDNESS 


4 


\ 




> 




2 





Falsehood and Wickedness 

H FTER good old father Noah had 
completed the building of the ark, 
the animals were gathered together 
near it by the angels appointed 
over them. They came in pairs, and Noah 
stood at the door of the ark to see that each 
one entered with its mate. As soon as the 
waters of the flood rose upon the surface of 
the earth, the children of men hid themselves 
in their homes for safety. All traffic and 
business ceased, for the angel of death was 
abroad. This state of affairs caused Falsehood 
to realize that henceforth there was no chance 
of her plying her trade. Was it not quite 
evident that the ever-increasing waters of the 
flood would soon sweep away the wicked folk 

19 


20 


JEWISH FAIRY TALES 


who had rebelled against their Heavenly 
Creator ? Where should Falsehood betake 
herself for safety ? 

Forthwith she hastened to the ark, but its 
door was shut. What was to be done ? 

Falsehood knocked at the door with trem- 
bling hand. Noah opened the window of the 
ark, and put out his head to see who was knock- 
ing. It was a strange creature before his door. 
Noah had never seen "her before, because he 
was a righteous man who never told lies. 

“ What dost thou want ? ” he cried. 

“ Let me come in, please,” she replied. 

“ Gladly,” cried Noah, “ would I admit thee 
if thy mate were with thee, for only pairs are 
admitted here.” 

In grief and disappointment Falsehood went 
away. She had not gone a few yards before she 
met her old friend Wickedness, who was now 
out of employment. 

“Whence cometh thou, dear friend False- 
hood ? ” asked Wickedness. 

“ I come,” said Falsehood, “ from old father 
Noah. Just listen. I asked him to let me 
come into the ark, but he refused unless I 
complied with his rules.” 

" What does he require ? ” asked Wickedness. 

“ The good old man stipulated that I must 
have a mate, because all the creatures admitted 


FALSEHOOD AND WICKEDNESS 21 


into the ark are in pairs,” Falsehood replied. 

“ Now, dear friend, is this the truth ? ” queried 
Wickedness with a merry twinkle in his evil eye. 

“ Of course it is the truth, on my word of 
honour,” rejoined Falsehood. “ Come now,” 
she added, “ wilt thou be my mate ? Are we 
not just fit to be joined together, two honest 
and poor creatures ? ” 

“ If I agree,” said Wickedness, “ what wilt 
thou give me in return ? ” 

Falsehood thought awhile an 4 with a cunning 
look at her friend she exclaimed, — 

“ I faithfully promise to give to thee all that 
I earn in the ark. Have no fear, I shall do 
excellent business even there, because I feel 
very fit and energetic.” 

Wickedness agreed to the terms immediately, 
and there and then a proper agreement was 
drawn up, and duly signed and sealed. With- 
out further delay they both hastened to Noah, 
who readily admitted the happy pair. 

Falsehood soon began to be very busy and 
earned good money. She often thought of her 
agreement with Wickedness with regret, as 
she realized that she alone did all the business. 
She even said to him one day, — 

“ Look here, how easily can I carry on my 
trade single-handed ? ” 

He merely reminded her of the agreement, 


22 


JEWISH FAIRY TALES 

and day by day he wrote down in his ledger 
the sum total of the day's takings. 

At the end of the year, for the flood lasted 
twelve months, they came out of the ark. 
Falsehood brought home much treasure, but 
Wickedness came with her and claimed the 
whole of the hard-earned fortune. Thereupon 
Falsehood said to herself, “ I will ask my mate 
to give me some of my earnings." 

She approached Wickedness and in a gentle 
voice said, — 

“ Dearest friend, please give me a share of 
what I have so honestly earned, for I alone did 
all the work." 

Wickedness looked at her in contempt and 
with harsh voice cried aloud, — 

“ Thy share is nought, O cheat ! Did we 
not solemnly agree that I was to take everything 
which thou shouldst - earn ? How could I break 
our agreement ? Would this not be a very 
wicked thing to do, now would it not ? " 

Falsehood held her peace and went away, 
well knowing that she had been foiled in her 
attempt to cheat her friend Wickedness. True 
indeed is the proverb : “ Falsehood begets 

much, but Wickedness taketh all that away." 

(Yalkut, Psalms § 638.) 


THE WICKED KING AND 
HIS BRIDE 



THE QUEEN SPRINKLING THE WATER OF LIFE ON CHANINAH. 


24 





The Wicked King and his 
Bride 

ONG, long ago there lived in the Holy 
Land an old peasant and his wife. 
They had an only son who was 
also married. The family all lived 
happily together in a little house in a village 
near Samaria. The son, whose name was 
Chaninah, was a very good man, deeply learned 
in the Holy Scriptures and the ancient lore of 
Israel. 

In course of time the old father, feeling his 
end drawing near, called his beloved son to his 
bedside and said to him, — 

“ Hearken, my son, to the words which I am 

25 



c 


26 JEWISH FAIRY TALES 

about to speak. Your mother and I will soon 
die. After our death and burial you will 
observe the customary period of mourning and 
lamentation. On the day following go to the 
nearest market-place and buy the first thing 
offered to you, be the price what it may. I 
also charge you to continue the study of the 
Holy Word of the Bible by day and by night, 
keep the Divine Commandments, support the 
poor and be kind to the dumb creatures.” 

After he had spoken these words he blessed 
his son and closed his eyes in the sleep of death. 

Chaninah went to tell his mother of the death 
of his father. The sad news was too much for 
the poor woman and the shock killed her 
instantly. The pious son buried his beloved 
parents in the village cemetery and returned 
home to keep the customary period of mourning 
and lamentation, which lasted seven days. 

Mindful of his father’s dying words, Chaninah 
went on the following morning to the nearest 
market-place. One of the merchants, carrying 
a beautiful silver casket in his hands, came to 
him and said, — 

" Will you buy this casket ? ” 

" What is the price ? ” asked Chaninah. 

“ I will take eighty pieces of silver for it,” 
answered the merchant, and he added, " I will 
not accept any less.” 


WICKED KING AND HIS BRIDE 27 

Chaninah agreed, and there and then paid 
the large sum of money demanded, thinking 
all the while of his dear father’s last wish. The 
money which he had spent in buying the casket 
was nearly all the fortune he possessed. 

Without any further delay he returned home 
with his purchase, which he was anxious to show 
to his wife. 

“ Look here,” he cried, “ I have spent nearly 
all our money i,n buying this casket, even as 
dear father told me to do just before he died.” 

“ Open it,” said his wife ; “ there is sure to be 
something very valuable inside it.” 

He lifted the lid of the casket and was aston- 
ished to find that it contained another silver 
box. He took this out and opened it, curious 
to learn what was inside. To their great sur- 
prise a little green frog leapt out. 

“ Well, I never,” cried Chaninah, " this is an 
expensive creature.” 

“ Do not forget,” his wife said, " your father’s 
command to be kind to the dumb creatures.” 

“ Quite right,” says her husband, “ we will 
provide for the frog even as though the little 
fellow were one of us.” 

The frog grew larger and larger and the silver 
box was no longer large enough for its quarters. 
Chaninah therefore made a nice roomy cup- 
board for their new friend’s abode. After a 


28 JEWISH FAIRY TALES 

while the wife told her husband that there was 
no more money left to buy food. With a very 
sad heart the good man called the frog to his 
side and said, — 

"I am awfully sorry to tell you, dear little 
friend, that we cannot feed you any longer 
because we have no food left even for ourselves.” 

“ Please don’t worry,” cried the frog, ” I 
hope you will believe me when I tell you that I 
am indeed more than grateful to you both, for 
all your kindness and hospitality. Let me 
prove my gratitude by giving you this piece of 
advice. In the box where you found me, you 
will see a strip of parchment. If you place 
it in the fold of your turban you will be able to 
understand not only the different languages of 
mankind but also the speech of birds, fish 
and beasts.” 

Chaninah did exactly as the frog told him, 
and calling his wife told her that they would 
accompany the frog to his new home wherever 
it might be. The frog said this should be in 
a pond in the wood near by. 

They all went to the wood feeling sad that 
poverty was forcing them to part company. 

As soon as they came to the wood the frog 
told them to rest themselves. Then at the 
bidding of the frog, the birds and beasts in the 
wood brought to Chaninah and his wife an im- 


WICKED KING AND HIS BRIDE 29 

mense quantity of valuable gems and an assort- 
ment of roots and herbs. The kind-hearted 
frog gave these gifts to his good friends, ex- 
plaining how the herbs and roots were to be 
used for healing purposes. Then at last the 
frog bids his friends farewell and tells them that 
he was really a son of Adam and the demon 
Lilith, and that he had the power of changing 
himself into any shape. 

Chaninah and his wife gathered up the precious 
gems, roots and herbs and returned home. On 
the way they met a caravan and offered some 
of the gems for sale. A good bargain was 
struck and Chaninah and his wife found them- 
selves with plenty of money. They left their 
old home and bought a nice house. Riches did 
not spoil them, for their hearts were kind. 
Moreover Chaninah kept faithfully the charge 
of his beloved father. He studied the holy 
words of Scripture by day and by night and 
observed the Divine precepts with a good will. 
Their home was always open to the poor. The 
good fortune of Chaninah spread far and wide. 
His reputation as a charitable man reached 
the ears of the King who invited him to visit 
his Court. 

The King took a great fancy to Chaninah and 
persuaded him to take up his abode in the 
palace. The King was by no means a pious 


30 JEWISH FAIRY TALES 

man, in fact he was very wicked and cruel. 
He was unmarried, and this fact alone dis- 
pleased his subjects. His counsellors urged 
him to find a good wife, saying to him,— 

“Let us, O King, remind you that we require 
not only a king but also a queen and little 
princes ; for there will surely come a time when 
a new king will have to be found — because 
kings and queens are mortals and they cannot 
live for ever.’* 

They did not tell the King what their real 
motive was in advising him to marry. They 
thought that if the King were to find a true and 
good wife it might be possible for her to use 
her influence and make him a better man. 

The King dismissed his counsellors, promising 
to see them again in a week’s time, when he 
would tell them whether he would marry or not. 
When they came to the palace at the appointed 
time the King’s valet met them and told 
them that His Majesty would receive them 
in the palace garden. 

They went there and found the King sitting 
on his throne. As they approached he rose 
up and bade them welcome. At that moment 
a beautiful bird flew over the King and dropped 
a long golden hair upon his shoulder. The King 
took the hair in his hand and turning to his 
counsellors said,— 


WICKED KING AND HIS BRIDE 31 

“ I will marry only the maiden to whom 
this golden hair belongs. No other wife shall 
be mine. You wish me to marry — well and 
good — so be it. I now command you to dis- 
cover the owner of this golden hair, and mark 
you, if you do not bring her to me within a 
year from to-day I will have you and all your 
families put to death/’ 

The counsellors were greatly distressed at 
the turn of events. They feared that their lives 
would be forfeit. How were they to find the 
lady whose golden hair had brought mis- 
fortune to them and their families ? With sad 
hearts they left the royal presence, and when 
they were outside the palace they asked one 
another, “ What is to be done ? ” 

Chaninah, who was now one of the King’s 
counsellors, offered to find the lady destined 
to be their queen. He hastened home to bid 
his wife farewell and to prepare for his journey. 
He took a bag into which he put six loaves, a 
small assortment of his precious herbs and 
roots and twelve silver coins. Having blessed 
his wife he set out on his quest. 

He walked during the best part of the day 
and at sunset, feeling very tired, he sat down 
on a large stone beneath a tree. He was just 
about to doze off when he was suddenly startled 
by hearing a raven’s croak. He listened and 


32 JEWISH FAIRY TALES 

understood that the bird had not found any 
food for three days. He at once opened his 
bag and gave the raven a large piece of bread. 
On the morrow Chaninah met a dog howling 
miserably. 

“ Come and tell me,” he said to the dog, “ all 
your troubles. I understand the speech of 
beasts and birds.” 

The dog said that he was very ill and hungry, 
for it was just a week since he had eaten any 
food. Chaninah gave him one of the healing 
roots and a loaf of bread. The dog devoured 
the bread and ate the root and thanked his 
good friend. 

Next day Chaninah came to a river and 
found some fishermen trying in vain to pull in 
their net, which contained a large fish. The 
fishermen pulled so hard that they feared their 
net would break. Chaninah lent them a willing 
hand and then they were able to pull in the 
net. The fishermen shouted with joy, — j 

“ We have enough now for dinner to-day and 
to-morrow.” 

Chaninah asked them to sell the fish and he 
would give them twelve pieces of silver as its 
price. They agreed and gave him the fish 
as soon as he had paid them. They could 
hardly believe their eyes when they saw Chani- 
nah throwing the fish back into the river. 


WICKED KING AND HIS BRIDE 33 

Bidding them farewell he continued his jour- 
ney. 

At last he came to a large town where, 
unknown to him, dwelt the maiden whom he 
was seeking. She was a princess, the only 
daughter of the King of that country. 

Chaninah came to the courtyard of the palace 
and stood still awhile gazing around. The 
Princess was looking out of the window of her 
room, and saw Chaninah, whose strange attire 
attracted her attention. She sends her cham- 
berlain to bring him to her presence. 

In reply to her inquiry as to the why and 
wherefore of his visit to her father’s land, 
Chaninah tells her the story of his quest. Look- 
ing at her he sees that she is the very lady whom 
he has to find to be the wife of the King, his 
master, for her tresses were golden even like 
the hue of the hair which the King found upon 
his shoulder. 

“ Come, good lady, with me,” he cries, “ and 
save my people, the wise men of Israel and 
their families, who are in mortal danger. Come 
and be Queen in our land and save the soul of 
our lord the King.” 

The Princess had listened very attentively 
to all the strange story told by Chaninah, and 
in reply she said, — 

“ Well do I remember drying my hair one day 


34 


JEWISH FAIRY TALES 

last month in the garden of our palace, and 
whilst doing so a strange bird flew over my head 
three times and then plucked out one of my 
hairs. He flew away with the hair and I can 
now believe that this is the very bird which 
brought my hair to the King of your land. I 
will accede to your wish and consent to become 
the Queen of your land if you fulfil two tasks 
which I will set you. The first I will mention 
at once. Here I have two empty flasks. You 
must bring them back to me full of water. I 
do not mean the water of the brook or well, 
but the one flask must contain water from 
Paradise and the other must be filled with water 
from Hell. When you have done this task I 
will tell you all about the second one.” 

With a kind word of farewell the Princess 
dismissed Chaninah. He left the palace with 
a sad heart and prayed to God to help him in 
his difficulty. Was he not trying to save the 
lives of his brethren in the Holy Land ? 

After a little while he hears the croak of a 
raven speaking as follows : — 

“ Dear friend ! do you no longer remember 
me ? Did you not give me bread when you 
met me ? I was so hungry then, for I had not 
tasted any food for three days. Now just tell 
me, How can I be of service ? I will gladly do 
my best to please you.” 


WICKED KING AND HIS BRIDE 35 

Chaninah told the raven all about the task 
which the Princess had set him to do. 

“ Here are the flasks,” he said ; “ one must be 
filled with water from Paradise and the other 
must be filled with water from Hell.” 

The raven told him to tie a flask to each 
wing and at sunset to be at the spot where they 
were conversing. The raven flew to the nether- 
world and singed his wings in passing through 
the flames of Hell. At last he reached the black 
boiling waters in the centre of Hell and filled 
one flask. He then flew to the gates of Paradise 
and found the spring which flows from its midst 
and bathed in its cool water to heal his wings. 
He then filled the other flask and flew to the 
spot where he had arranged to meet his friend. 
He gave the flasks filled with the desired water 
to Chaninah, who returned to the palace and 
told the Princess that the task was done. 

The Princess was in doubt whether the water 
of each flask was genuine. She proposed to 
test the contents there and then. Opening the 
flask containing the water from Hell, she poured 
a few drops upon the palm of her hand. The 
water burnt her skin and she quickly put some 
of the water of the other flask upon the burnt 
spot and healed it at once. She told Chaninah 
that she was quite satisfied with this perform- 
ance. 


36 


JEWISH FAIRY TALES 


“ But now/' she said, “ you have to perform 
a much more difficult task. Just listen. Some 
years ago I was playing with my ring in a boat 
and by accident I dropped it into the water. It 
was a golden ring with my initials engraved on 
the gold and set with a beautiful pearl. Restore 
this ring, and when I have it again I will comply 
with your request.” 

The Princess thought that it would be im- 
possible to find her ring and that she would 
not be bothered to accede to the wish of Chani- 
nah. She again dismissed him with a few kind 
words and told him not to be disappointed if he 
failed to find the ring. 

Chaninah at once turned his thoughts to God 
and prayed for Divine help. He then went to 
the nearest river, hoping that his good fortune 
would not forsake him. As soon as he came to 
the water he beheld the large fish which he had 
purchased and thrown back into the river. 

“ Tell me,” said the fish, “ what you desire, 
and I will try to help you.” 

Chaninah told the fish the story of the ring 
of the Princess, and said that he must have 
this ring as soon as possible. 

“ Meet me at yonder bridge,” said the fish, 
“ to-morrow morning at daybreak and I will 
bring you news concerning the ring.” 

The fish then swam away and made for the 


WICKED KING AND HIS BRIDE 37 

bottom of the great sea in order to seek the 
help of Leviathan, the monster king of the deep. 

Leviathan welcomed the fish, and having 
heard his story promised to help him. He 
issued an order throughout his vast kingdom 
compelling every fish to report to him if any such 
ring had been heard of or discovered. If he 
should discover that a fish had the ring and 
failed to produce it, very severe penalties were 
sure to follow. Within an hour the ring was 
brought to the palace of Leviathan and placed 
before his throne. Leviathan then gave it to 
the fish which had promised to help Chaninah. 

Next morning at daybreak the fish delivered 
the ring to Chaninah, who rejoiced greatly at 
the cleverness of the fish. How glad he was 
that he had fulfilled his dear father’s wishes 
in being kind to birds, beasts and fish. 

At noon Chaninah entered the palace and 
was brought at once to the Princess. 

“ Behold,” he cried in a joyful voice, “ your 
Royal Highness ! is this not your ring ? Your 
initials are engraved on the gold.” 

The Princess admitted that this was her 
ring, and as the two tasks, which she had im- 
posed, had been satisfactorily accomplished, 
she now consented to accompany Chaninah to 
the Holy Land. 

On the way they were attacked by robbers. 


38 JEWISH FAIRY TALES 

Chaninah, fearing that he would be over- 
powered, called for help. At that moment a 
dog ran up to his side and barked so furiously 
that the robbers made off. The dog was glad 
to repay Chaninah for having fed him and 
healed him in days gone by. 

At last they came to the Holy Land, and 
when the King saw the beautiful princess with 
the golden hair he was very happy. Amidst 
general rejoicing the royal wedding took place. 
The King rewarded Chaninah by making him 
his chief counsellor of State. The good man’s 
success, however, was marred by a great mis- 
fortune which had befallen him during his 
absence. His good wife had died. Moreover, 
some of the royal servants were envious of 
his advancement in the King’s favour. They 
resolved to hire some ruffians who were to 
waylay him. One day as he was leaving the 
palace the ruffians attacked him and killed him 
in the courtyard. As soon as the news of the 
sad event was told to the Queen, she cried, — 

“ Never mind ! let me see what can be done.” 

She went to her cabinet and took out the 
flask containing the water from Paradise. She 
then went to the courtyard where the King and 
nobles were gathered around the corpse. 

“ Make way for Her Majesty the Queen ! ” 
the people cried. 


WICKED KING AND HIS BRIDE 39 

When the Queen saw the dead body of her 
friend she smiled. All eyes were fixed on her. 
She sprinkled some of the precious water upon 
the corpse and immediately Chaninah opened 
his eyes and arose. Now the people under- 
stood why the Queen had smiled. 

“ Come now,” said the King to his wife, 
“ kill me and restore me to life again. I should 
just like to know how it feels to be dead.” 

The Queen declined to murder her husband, 
and turning to him she cried, — 

“ Do not be so wicked. Life is sacred. 
Moreover, the wonderful water will only bring 
a person back to life provided his life had been 
good.” 

“ Your Majesty,” she added, “ must repent 
and mend your ways, otherwise you will not be 
restored to life in the hereafter.” 

The King went away in anger and returned 
to his royal apartments. Here he ordered one 
of his servants to kill him. 

“ If you refuse,” cried the wicked King, “ I 
will instantly kill you.” 

Whereupon the servant obeyed the King and 
slew him. 

The Queen was at once informed of the 
wicked death of the King. She was truly 
sorry to find that he had not allowed himself 
to be influenced by her advice, but that he had 


40 JEWISH FAIRY TALES 

trifled with his life. She therefore fetched the 
flask containing water from Hell. Then she 
sprinkled its contents upon the body of the 
wicked King. His body immediately was 
burnt to ashes. She thereupon turned to the 
astonished members of the Court who were look- 
ing on, and in a gentle voice she said, — 

" Do you not see, good friends, that if my 
husband had been a good and holy man he 
would have been restored to life, just like 
Chaninah. But the fact is that he was a cruel 
and bad man. You all knew this even before 
I came here from my father’s land.” 

After the burial of the King, the counsellors 
came to the Queen and urged her to marry 
Chaninah, who had proved such a trusty friend. 
The suggestion pleased the Queen, who gladly 
gave her heart and hand to the good man. 
They ruled the people in justice and kindness, 
and as long as they reigned there was peace 
in the land. 

[From the Jewish Chap Book, 

Ma'aseh Book , § 143.) 






THE TWO JEWELS 

































f 

























\ 

X 


I) 


V 



The Two Jewels 

the early period of the Middle Ages 
there was a King of Spain, Pedro 
by name. He was a wise and 
tolerant ruler. In his kingdom 
Christians, Jews and Mohammedans were to 
be found. It was a Time when brotherly love 
was to be discovered in the Holy Scriptures only. 

King Pedro was one day about to set out at 
the head of his army to attack his enemies in a 
neighbouring land. Nicholas of Valencia, one 
of the royal counsellors, came to Pedro and 
exclaimed, — 

" O most gracious sire ! May I ask your 
Majesty a question ? ” 

“ Ask, good friend Nicholas/' said the King. 

“What need is therefor your Majesty to leave 
your kingdom to fight your enemies beyond the 
border, when you have so many dangerous 
enemies within your kingdom?" 

43 



44 JEWISH FAIRY TALES 

“To whom do you refer ? " cried the King. 

“ I refer to all disbelievers in Spain, the 
heretics, the Jews and the followers of Mahom- 
met — people who deny the divinity of our Lord, 
our Saviour, and His Holy Mother. Do we 
not, as good Christians, hate the Jews and 
Moslems and do they not hate us ? Does not 
your Majesty know that the Jews are com- 
manded in their holy Bible to abstain from 
greeting the Christians ? ” 

“ How can that be true/’ said the wise King, 
“ since the Hebrew Bible was written at a time 
when there were no Christians ? " 

“ Nevertheless/' continued Nicholas, “ I have 
heard it said, that even though a Jew would 
greet a Christian saying to him, ‘ Peace be unto 
you,' he immediately adds under his breath, * but 
may the Devil take you.' " 

“ How do you know this ? ” exclaimed the 
King in astonishment. 

“ I was told this/' replied Nicholas, “by a 
most saintly man, one Geronimo, a converted 
Jew." 

“No, no," interrupted Pedro, “ I would not 
believe such a man. Any one who changes his 
religion will not scruple to change his word, 
twisting the truth into falsehood. Do you not 
also realize that the testimony of such a con- 
vert is probably unreliable, because he is now 


45 


THE TWO JEWELS 

anxious to show how intensely he loves his new 
faith, and this he does best by hating the religion 
which he has abandoned ?” 

“ Your Majesty may be right,” said Nicholas, 
“ but,” he added, “ there is nothing which vexes 
my soul so much as the unbounded impudence 
of the Jews, who would not hesitate to tell your 
Majesty that their Religion is better than our 
Holy Faith.” 

“ Do not let this vex you, good Nicholas,” 
said Pedro; “prove your statement by bring- 
ing a Jew before me and let me hear from his 
own lips this glorification of his religion, and 
then I will tell you whether I feel vexed or not.” 

Nicholas left the King in order to fetch a Jew 
as commanded by his royal master. After a 
few minutes had elapsed, he returned, bringing 
with him a venerable man with a long beard, 
white as the driven snow. 

“ Welcome ! ” exclaimed King Pedro ; “be 
seated, noble Jew, and answer me without fear 
or favour any questions I may put to you.” 

“ May it please your Majesty,” said the Jew, 
who had risen from his seat when about to 
speak, “ life is dear to me and mine, but truth 
and honour are dearer still. For nearly ninety 
years have I remained steadfast to the faith of 
my fathers. I most humbly beg your Majesty 
to suffer me and my people to continue to be 


46 JEWISH FAIRY TALES 

loyal not only to God, our Heavenly King, 
but also to your Majesty.” 

" Have no fear, good Jew, but now tell me 
your name,” says King Pedro. 

“ I am called,” he replies, “ Ephraim, the 
son of Sancho.” 

“Now will you tell me,” asks the King, 

“ which religion, Judaism or Christianity, is 
more true and real ? ” 

After a moment’s thought Ephraim re- 
plies, — 

“ My religion is the only good one for me in 
view of my circumstances. Your Majesty 
knows that my ancestors, the children of Israel, 
were once slaves in the land of Egypt. God in 
His great mercy redeemed my people from that 
land of bondage with signs and wonders. My 
religion is bound up with this wonderful love 
of God, who not only redeemed us, but He also 
gave us our laws and commandments. In 
keeping these laws and commandments we 
serve God, and this is our religion, and it is the 
most natural for the people of Israel. For your 
Majesty, however, who is born to rule nations 
and creeds, your religion is the most suitable, „ 
because Christianity is the predominant faith 
which has cramped my religion in Ghettos and 
darkness. Christianity has even resolved in 
this land to drive out the Mohammedans, so 


THE TWO JEWELS 47 

that a believer in the Koran shall not be found 
in Catholic Spain." 

“You have spoken wisely and daringly," 
says the King, “ but I did not ask you to discuss 
the various religions from the point of view of 
the individual believer, but I wished to know 
which religion, in your opinion, is the best. 
You can limit your reply by discussing whether 
Judaism is better than Christianity, or, as we 
think, vice versa.' ' 

Ephraim replied, — 

“ In three days' time, if it please your Majesty, 
I will return and give you my humble opinion. 
I cannot promise to satisfy your Majesty, but I 
will do my best to justify my conscience." 

The King consented to this proposal, and 
dismissed the Jew with a friendly farewell. 

Three days later the King and Nicholas were 
anxiously awaiting the promised reply. At the 
hour appointed, Ephraim appeared. He was 
very much agitated and gasped for breath. 

“ Most heartily welcome," cries Pedro in his 
most friendly voice; “come and sit near my 
throne and tell me your answer to my ques- 
tion." 

Ephraim sat in silence and failed to control 
his agitation. 

“ What is the matter, good Ephraim ? " asked 
the King, who was now beginning to feel con- 


48 


JEWISH FAIRY TALES 


cerned at the Jew’s prolonged silence and 
unusual excitement. 

At last by a great effort Ephraim exclaimed, — 

“ I grieve to tell your Majesty that I am ill. 
I have this day been most grossly insulted and 
abused. I am perfectly innocent of having done 
any wrong to the men who have been so cruel 
and unjust to me. Gracious King ! I appeal to 
you to hear my complaint and to see that justice 
is done.” 

“ Have no fear,” cried the King. " I am 
the fountain of justice, and every one in my 
realm may look to me for impartial judgment. 
What is your complaint ? ” 

The King and Nicholas turned to Ephraim 
and anxiously awaited his reply. 

“ My story is as follows,” says the Jew. “ A 
month ago my neighbour went away from home 
on a very long journey. In order to give some 
comfort and consolation to his two sons during 
his absence, he gave a precious jewel to each of 
them. Early this day the two sons of my good 
neighbour came to my house and asked to see 
me. I received them very politely in my 
humble apartment and asked them how I could 
be of service. They showed me their jewels 
and demanded that I should there and then 
explain to them both the various characteristics 
of the gems. I was also to point out the beauties 


49 


THE TWO JEWELS 

and flaws — if any — in the precious stones. 
They asked me to appraise their value and to 
decide which of the two was the better and the 
more valuable. I told them that there was no 
one so well qualified to answer all their questions 
as their dear father who happens to be an 
eminent authority on gems, for he is a jeweller. 
‘ Go/ I said, ‘ to your beloved father and let 
him decide, for he will tell you all you desire to 
know about the jewels, and whatever he tells 
you will be right and true/ No sooner had I 
said this, when the two sons attacked me, 
striking me upon my head. They abused me, 
calling me ‘ heretic and Jew/ just because I 
tried to answer their question to the best of my 
ability/ * 

“ Truly/' cried the King in a passion, “ they 
have acted most shamefully ; they deserve to be 
most severely punished/' 

“ Listen, O sire, to the words of your mouth," 
rejoined Ephraim. “Two brothers were Esau 
and Jacob, and to each one did their father give 
a precious jewel. Now your Majesty likewise 
asks me to decide which is the better ? Let 
your Majesty send a messenger to our Father 
in Heaven, for He is the greatest owner of 
jewels, and He will be able to explain exactly how 
the two jewels differ, and He will also tell your 
Majesty which of the two is the more precious." 


5o 


JEWISH FAIRY TALES 


With a smile on his face, King Pedro turned 
to Nicholas and said to him, — 

“ Do you not see how wisely this learned Jew 
has answered my question ? He deserves to be 
rewarded not only for his wisdom but also for 
his toleration, for he implies that our religion 
and his own have both been given to humanity 
by our Heavenly Father, who, in His own good 
time, will decide which is the best religion. 
Meanwhile, let all men, be their faith what it 
may, learn to be brothers and friends, trusting 
that the time may come when love and charity 
will lead every one to the truth.” 

Shebet Jehudah, pages 53, 54 (ed. Wiener). 



THE BEGGAR AT THE WEDDING 





The Beggar at the Wedding 

CE upon a time, long ago, there was 
a man whose fame had spread far 
and wide in the land where he lived. 
He was exceedingly good-hearted, 
and as he had plenty of money he was able to 
help the poor. David — for that was the man’s 
name — had a gentle and good wife. They had 
an only girl, named Hannah. 

In time Hannah grew up into a most lovely 
woman, whose hand and fortune were sought 
after by many suitors. One lover in particular 
had succeeded in gaining her favour by giving 
a few pence to a poor man whenever Hannah 
drew his attention to the one in distress. This 
charity, however, was not genuine, for if alone 
the lover would refuse to listen to the poor. 
Hannah consented to accept this suitor as her 

53 



54 JEWISH FAIRY TALES 

husband, and at last the wedding day was fixed. 
When the day arrived her home resounded with 
the song of joy and gladness. At the marriage 
feast happy laughter cheered the hearts of all 
the guests. 

Next day all this happiness was suddenly 
changed into grief, for death had claimed the 
bridegroom as his victim. The lonely bride, 
weeping and lamenting, had laid aside her beau- 
tiful wedding robe and her bridal adornment 
and had put on the black dress of a mourner. 
All that had happened seemed as though it were 
a dream to the poor girl. Even her parents 
could hardly realize the terrible misfortune 
which had so suddenly befallen them. Yester- 
day saw the wedding and to-day was to see the 
funeral of the luckless husband. 

In time their sorrow gradually became less 
intense and the tears of the widow dried off her 
beautiful face, for time cures every evil under 
the sun. Hannah's beauty and wealth soon 
brought new lovers, and she accepted as a hus- 
band a man who was harsh and domineering by 
nature. He wooed Hannah for the sake of her 
fortune. 

Again the bridal eve was followed by a night 
of death. Grief and tears again succeeded the 
joy and bliss of the marriage day. For a third 
time this cruel fate overtook the unfortunate 


THE BEGGAR AT THE WEDDING 55 

bridegroom, who, like his predecessors, had only 
married for the sake of money. In the presence 
of all the friends of her dear parents Hannah 
cried, — 

“ Thrice have I been wedded and thrice have 
I lost my husband. Never again will I marry, 
for I will not again lead my beloved to death. 
God’s hand is stretched out against me for some 
unknown sin. Thrice was I married in order to 
increase the joy of my dear parents, but this joy 
has been changed three times into heartbreaking 
sorrow for all of us. Henceforth I will remain 
a widow. Daily will I weep and pray to God 
to forgive me the sin which has cost so dearly.” 

The friends held their peace and left the 
sorrowing girl and her parents to comfort one 
another as best they could. 

David had a brother named Samuel, who 
lived in a far-off country. For very many 
years they had not heard from one another. In 
their youth they had parted, each bent on seek- 
ing his fortune. As we have seen, David had 
become very wealthy. Samuel, however, al- 
though blessed with a worthy wife and ten 
children, had remained a poor man. He and his 
eldest son collected wood in the forest near their 
hut. Sometimes they were lucky and sold all 
the wood which they had gathered. One day 
they failed to find any customers, and when they 


56 JEWISH FAIRY TALES 

returned home at night they were penniless. 
The result was that next day the entire family 
were without food. 

Again that day Samuel and his eldest son, 
whose name was Joseph, went to the market- 
place to sell the wood, but without any success. 
They resolved to spend the night in the forest 
rather than see the misery of the starving 
children in their unhappy home. 

Samuel and Joseph prayed to God for help. 
After a while Joseph turned to his father and 
suggested that the best thing to do would be to 
go to his rich uncle David and to ask his assist- 
ance. Samuel gladly consented to this proposal. 

Early next morning they returned home and 
told their dear ones about the plan which they 
had adopted. Joseph took leave of his beloved 
parents, sisters and brothers and set out on his 
journey fortified by the prayers and blessings 
of all the family. 

When he came to his uncle’s house he was 
received with a hearty welcome. His aunt and 
uncle inquired after the welfare of Joseph’s 
parents, and when they heard of the terrible 
poverty in Joseph’s home they immediately 
sent their trusty steward to help the family with 
food, money and clothing. Joseph wished to 
return home in company with the steward, but 
he was persuaded by his aunt to stay with his 


THE BEGGAR AT THE WEDDING 57 

uncle for a short visit. His genial presence 
soon brought comfort and happiness to his sad 
cousin Hannah. Often did they sit together in 
the beautiful garden attached to David's house 
and read the stirring stories of the Bible. 

A few weeks of unclouded happiness soon 
passed by, and Joseph thought that the time 
had come when he ought to return home. He 
went to his uncle one morning and said to him, — 

“ Let me ask you, dear uncle, to do me a 
favour, which you can readily promise to do. 
Y ou have given me so much already. I shall never 
forget all your love and kindness. One thing 
only is still wanting to complete my heart’s 
desire. Well do I know how generously you 
have assisted my beloved father and mother. 
You have fed and clothed my poor sisters and 
brothers. You have kept me here for many a 
happy day as your guest. If you do not 
promise to do this one favour which I am about 
to ask, I must at once leave you and return to 
my own home, for I fear I have already stayed 
here too long.” 

“ How can I refuse you your request, dear 
Joseph,” cried David. “ I faithfully promise 
on my word of honour to do what you ask, for 
I know that you are a good and noble lad 
with an honest and kind heart. I am sure you 
would never ask for aught which is neither 
right nor just.” 


E 


58 JEWISH FAIRY TALES 

“ That is so,” said Joseph. “ Now, dear 
uncle, since you have given me your promise, 
listen to my request. I know you do not really 
wish me to return home. I will agree to stay 
with you on one condition and make your home 
mine also.” 

“ What is the condition ? ” cried David 
impatiently. 

“ The condition,” continued Joseph, “ is that 
you give me your consent to marry my dear 
cousin Hannah. When we are married, we will 
live with you and comfort you and dear aunt 
for the rest of your lives.” 

David’s face became white and with tears in 
his eyes he shook his head. 

“ What you are asking,” he cried, “ is impos- 
sible. Do you not know, dear Joseph, that 
Hannah has already been married three times 
and each time her husband died in the night 
following the wedding. You are really asking 
me for leave to die, and I dare not consent. 
Please do not try to persuade me to agree to your 
proposal. If you do, it will be to your own hurt.” 

“ But you have given me your word of honour 
to grant my request,” said Joseph, “ and your 
word is your bond. Well do I know the sad 
story of dear Hannah’s weddings. I am fully 
aware that the three husbands who in turn 
married my dear cousin died in the first night 


THE BEGGAR AT THE WEDDING 59 

of their marriage. The fault was not Hannah’s. 
She is so good and loving, so true and innocent. 
I trust in God with all my heart and soul, and 
I will gladly risk my life and happiness in marry- 
ing her. The love of God will shield me from all 
harm. Have no fear, give your consent and 
we shall all be happy. 

David with tremulous voice addressed his 
nephew, saying, — , 

" Joseph, I love you as though you were my 
son. Listen well to what I am about to say. If 
by marrying my daughter you think you will 
obtain her fortune, tell me if this be the case ; 
be candid and I will satisfy you and redeem 
my pledge by giving you her dowry. Nay, I 
will double the amount if you agree not to wed 
my child. If this should not satisfy you, name 
the sum of money you desire, and if I possess 
it, it shall be yours. I will gladly give it with 
a good will, only do not risk your precious life 
by running into danger. You have been a 
source of real comfort and happiness to us all 
ever since you set foot in our house. Do not, 
I beseech you, plunge us all into unutterable 
misery by risking your life. To marry Hannah 
is to die.” 

“ Dear uncle ! ” Joseph cried, “ do you really 
think for one moment that I wish to marry 
Hannah for the sake of money. Do not even 


60 JEWISH FAIRY TALES 

think that I would take a penny piece if I am 
not allowed to marry her. I do not think of 
money or worldly things now, for I know that 
love is the best of all treasures. In Hannah 
have I found my ideal ; she alone of all women 
on earth will be mine, even as I alone of all men 
will be hers, now and always. Providence is not 
against us, for I feel that we are destined to 
make one another happy. Moreover, in our 
happiness you and dear aunt will find your true 
peace and joy.” 

Seeing the folly of prolonging the discussion, 
David consented to carry out his promise, and 
said that he would at once tell the news to 
Hannah and her mother. No sooner had he 
disclosed the proposal to his daughter than she 
began to weep and to pray to God for His 
support and counsel. Joyfully would she have 
suffered death sooner than see any harm befall 
Joseph, whom she loved with all her heart. 
She knew how noble was his character, and she 
realized that nothing would induce him to 
change his mind. She felt that she was helpless 
and that there was nothing to be done except 
to put her life and that of her beloved Joseph 
in the hands of God. 

Later in the day Joseph came to her and 
placed the engagement ring on her finger, 
meanwhile saying, — 


THE BEGGAR AT THE WEDDING 61 


“ With this ring art thou betrothed unto me 
according to the Law of Moses and of Israel.” 

They sealed their engagement by a sweet kiss, 
exchanging promises of love and constancy. 
In spite of her happiness, tears welled up in her 
eyes, for she knew that their great joy and love 
were in the balance. Joseph tried to console 
her by telling her that all would be well. 

The news of their engagement soon spread 
in the town where they lived, and the friends 
of Hannah's parents came to wish the couple 
joy and good luck ; thinking that their con- 
gratulations would gladden the hearts of Han- 
nah and of her parents. Joseph's usual good 
humour was intensified by the happy event. 
He sought out the poor, to whom he gave gifts 
of money, well remembering the poverty in which 
he had lived till he came to his uncle. 

A few weeks later the ceremony of marriage 
was fixed to be celebrated. Once again Hannah 
put on her bridal attire, thinking the while of 
the terrible misfortunes she had experienced. 
At last the hour came when she stood with 
Joseph at her side beneath the wedding canopy. 

Just as the marriage service was about to 
begin, an old man, unknown to all the assembled 
guests, approached Joseph and asked him to 
give him a moment's attention, because he had 
to tell him something of vital importance. 


62 JEWISH FAIRY TALES 

Joseph immediately turned aside with the 
stranger and asked him if he required any help. 
The stranger replied, — 

“ I come to help you, for I know that you 
have a good and kind heart. I ask you to 
remember that wealth will not avail in the hour 
of your need, charity alone will save you and 
deliver you from death. Be hospitable this day 
and invite to your wedding feast the poor who 
will bless you for your kindness. This is all I have 
to say, and now let me go, for I wish you well.” 

The stranger was“Elijah the prophet, the friend 
and comforter of all in trouble and distress. 

The marriage service began, and at its con- 
clusion the guests took their places at the 
banquet. At the head of the table sat the 
bridegroom, and at his side was his beautiful 
bride. The guests began to eat and to drink, 
when all of a sudden there was seen at the door 
of the room a beggar in rags and tatters, his 
skin yellow and unwashed, his hair unkempt 
and his stature bent. His eyes were flaming 
like fire, and at his presence profound silence 
obtained. Not a sound was heard within the 
room ; all was hushed in strange suspense, till 
Joseph in a loud and fearless voice cried, — 

“ Come hither, good friend ; you are most 
welcome at this, my marriage feast. At my 
side shall you sit, for here all are most heartily 
welcome, rich and poor alike.” 


THE BEGGAR AT THE WEDDING 63 

Joseph told the servants to go to the door of 
the house and to invite all the poor who passed 
by to join his guests. 

The beggar went to the seat next to Joseph's 
and sat down. Joseph waited on his unknown 
guest and gave him of the best. When the 
banquet was over the bride arose and retired 
to her apartment. Joseph arose likewise and was 
about to follow her when the beggar placed his 
hand on Joseph's shoulder and said in a whisper — 

“ I must have just one word with you in 
private, please. I cannot sta}^ here much 
longer, but I have to tell you why I am with 
you to-day." 

Joseph led him to an empty room and re- 
quested him to be seated. After a moment 
or two had elapsed the stranger began to speak 
as follows : — 

“ My friend, I am truly sorry for your own 
and also for your dear wife’s sake, but I have 
come here on a very sad errand. I am sent 
to you against my will. It is God who has sent 
me here to take you to Him. Prepare now 
to leave the world and all its joys." 

Joseph looked at his guest without fear, 
and in a very calm voice he said, — 

“ If this be God's will, so be it done in love 
and obedience. Nevertheless, I do beseech you 
grant me a respite — just one year in happiness 


64 JEWISH FAIRY TALES 

with my wife, and then I promise to go with you.” 

“No, my good friend, it cannot be,” cried 
the angel of death, who was in the beggar's 
guise. “Not even a month,” said the angel, 
“ not even the seven days of rejoicing ap- 
pointed to be kept by bride and bridegroom, 
not even one day's delay, but this very day 
must you die even as the former three husbands 
of your beloved wife.” 

Joseph made haste to reply, — 

“ God's word is true, and He is true. If you 
cannot accede to my petition to grant me a 
respite, give me leave to go to my wife and to 
bid her farewell.” 

“This will I gladly allow,” exclaimed the 
angel, “ in return for your kindness to me this 
day ; you knew me not — yet have you treated 
me as a friend.” 

The angel spoke so gently because his heart 
was full of sorrow. He knew that Joseph was 
a good and true man, and it grieved him to lead 
him through the valley of the shadow of death. 

Joseph hastened to his wife's apartment and 
entered. He found her rapt in prayer with 
tears in her eyes. 

“ Quick, my beloved,” he whispered, “ my 
time is very short, I cannot stay here, I must 
hasten far away with the strange beggar. He 
has come to fetch me. Let me bless you for 


THE BEGGAR AT THE WEDDING 65 

your unfailing sweetness and love ; come, let 
me kiss you for the last time.” 

“ If,” she cried, “ you hasten away I will go 
with you, for now we are one and nothing shall 
ever part us, not even cruel death itself.” 

With a passionate grip she took his hand 
and told him to lead her to the beggar. When 
she saw him, she said, — 

“ Stranger ! you are still our guest beneath 
our roof. If you would repay our hospitality 
this day just grant me one little favour. Take 
me with my husband to the Eternal Judge and 
I will ask Him whether His holy word in the 
Law is true. Is it not written therein : 4 And 
what man is there that hath betrothed a wife, 
and hath not taken her, let him go and return 
to his house, lest he die in the battle and another 
man take her ’ ” (Deut. xx. 7) ? 

“Nay,” cried the angel, “ I will go for you 
and I will bring you answer again.” 

His sorrow for the unfortunate bride and 
bridegroom prompted him to do this service 
of lov e. The angel added, — 

“ I will join in the choir of angels who praise 
God morning and evening, and I will put your 
question before the Father of Mercy who dwells 
with the meek and the broken-hearted. I 
hope for the sake of both of you that Joseph's 
life will be spared.” 

In a moment the angel was gone and in 


66 JEWISH FAIRY TALES 

another moment he returned. His face was 
shining with heavenly light and his voice was 
sweet and soft. ^ 

" Listen/' he said. “ Good friends ! I rejoice 
to tell you that your prayers have been heard. 
Live well and long together, enjoy your life. 
The other husbands died because they married, 
not for love, but for greed of gold. They were 
hard-hearted, scorning the poor and the weak. 
You shall live to help others to live and to 
prosper. Farewell ! " and in a second the 
angel was seen no more. 

The bride and bridegroom spent that night 
in giving praise to God for His love and mercy. 
The parents, however, were weeping through- 
out the long night, whilst their friends had 
prepared the grave for Joseph's body. At 
dawn, Joseph went to his uncle and aunt to 
greet them. They were greatly overcome with 
joy and comforted one another by praying 
together to the Almighty. All then hastened 
to fill in the unused grave. In this plot they 
planted seeds of daffodils, so that in time to 
come they might look upon the beautiful flowers 
as an emblem of the Divine Mercy. 

Joseph continued to be charitable and kind 
to all who needed his help. Whenever the 
people saw him they were wont to exclaim : 

“ Truly charity delivers from death." 

Midrasii Tanchuma, Ha’azinu, § viii. 


THE CLEVER WIFE 



ABRAHAM BEING CARRIED TO HIS NEW QUARTERS. 


68 







The Clever Wife 


ONG, long ago, there lived in the old 
town of Sidon a happy couple named 
Abraham and Ada. Although they 
loved one another very much, still 
there was something wanting to complete their 
happiness. They had been married for nearly 
ten years, but they had not been blessed with 
a child. Ofttimes Ada would sit in her room 
and weep. She prayed every day to God to 
fulfil her desire by giving her a son or a daughter. 
Abraham did his best to comfort her by telling 
her that all would come right in time. Never- 
theless, he felt very sad when he came home and 
thought of the future. He would have given 
anything to have had a little son who might be 
taught the holy religion which he loved so well. 

69 



70 JEWISH FAIRY TALES 

The neighbours in their street were none too 
kind and they slighted Ada. This made her 
grief more bitter. 

Did not the people often say in Abraham’s 
hearing that children are a token of God’s 
blessing ? Was it not true that the house which 
lacked the merry laughter of little innocent 
children was under a curse or spell ? Did not 
the holy Law teach that it was a religious duty 
to marry and to have children ? Would it not 
be better, he argued with himself, to divorce 
his wife, if, after being married for ten years, 
she had no child ? She might marry another 
man and have children and so find her happi- 
ness. All these thoughts flashed again and 
again through his mind. 

At last when the anniversary of their tenth 
marriage day arrived, Abraham said to his 
wife, — 

“ Let us visit to-day our true friend Rabbi 
Simeon, the son of Jochai.” 2 

When they came before the famous master, 
Abraham, with tears in his eyes, said, — 

“ O good Rabbi ! My dear wife has been 
faithful to me and loving during the past ten 
years. It has pleased our Heavenly Father 
to withhold from us the blessing of children. 
I fear this is on account of my many sins. It 
seems to me that our home henceforth will not 


THE CLEVER WIFE 


71 


be as happy as it should be ; my wife grieves 
over her barrenness and I fret because she is 
unhappy. Is it not my duty to set her free ? ” 

Whilst Abraham was speaking, his wife wept. 
She knew that if he sent her away from his heart 
and home, her life would be utterly miserable 
and unendurable. Her genuine sorrow touched 
the heart of her husband, who turned to her 
and exclaimed, — 

“ My dear and sweet wife ! be calm and do 
not grieve, for we must ever submit to the will 
of Providence. Do not think that I am not 
ofttimes sad, because we have no child to cheer 
your long days. If I could only give you some 
substitute, I would most gladly do so. Listen, 
dearest ! I now faithfully promise to allow you 
to choose whatever you like best in our home 
and you may take it with you to your father’s 
house as a keepsake when you leave me for good. 
This will always be a visible token of the deep 
affection and true love which united us during 
the past ten years.” 

The Rabbi watched his guests with sym- 
pathetic eyes. He knew that Abraham had 
made up his mind to divorce his worthy wife. 
Nothing would make him waver. With a 
merry twinkle in his far-seeing eye, he began 
to address them, saying, — 

“ My dear children ! I can only pity you, for 


72 


JEWISH FAIRY TALES 

I am deeply grieved to see how you are about 
to lose one another. Before you finally part, 
however, let me advise you to invite this day 
your good friends to a farewell banquet, even 
as they gathered around you ten years ago at 
your marriage feast. Love united you and 
in love prepare to separate, if it must be.” 

The wise master was in hopes that all the old 
ties would be revived by the presence of the 
family circle of friends and that love would 
still hold them together. Abraham and Ada 
promised to follow the advice of the Rabbi and 
they returned home. 

Ada at once sent to all their friends and pro- 
vided a most liberal banquet. Her husband 
sat beside her as usual, and she took care that 
his wine-glass was constantly refilled. Good 
cheer made the company very happy, and 
Abraham determined to spend a jolly evening 
for the last time in the company of his wife, 
whom he really loved. 

Ada had carefully prepared her plans. Her 
husband had toasted each of his guests, and soon 
the excellent wine which he drank sent him into 
a deep sleep. Without a moment’s delay, Ada 
beckoned to her servants to come to her. She 
told them to lift up the armchair in which her 
husband sat asleep and to carry it at once to 
her father’s house in a neighbouring street. 


THE CLEVER WIFE 


73 


The company looked on in surprise, and 
guessing the meaning of what they saw, they 
took their departure. 

Meanwhile Abraham, fast asleep, had been 
carried to his new quarters. He was put in a 
beautiful room, with Ada at his side waiting for 
him to awaken. At dawn the effect of the 
wine began to wear off and he awoke. Looking 
around with great surprise, he exclaimed, — 

" Where am I ? ” 

Ada took his hand and stroking it gently, she 
said to him, — 

“ My beloved ! you are in my father’s house.” 

“ What am I doing here ? ” he cries. 

"You are just waking up,” she says ; " you 
remember when we yesterday visited Rabbi 
Simeon, the son of Jochai, you faithfully pro- 
mised me that I might choose anything I liked 
best in our home and take it with me when I 
left your roof. Last night I left your house 
and I took you with me as there was nothing 
in your home, or, for the matter of that, in all 
the world so precious to me as your dear self. 
You were the choicest possession in our old 
home, and you are mine now and for ever. 
You have, by your promise to me, given your- 
self over to me. Divorce or no divorce, you are 
my property, for I know very well you always 
keep your promise.” 


74 ' 


JEWISH FAIRY TALES 


Abraham saw the humour of the situation 
in which he found himself, and laughed again 
and again at the huge joke his clever wife had 
perpetrated at his expense. 

" Well done/' he exclaimed, “ we are now 
agreed that the question of divorce is solved. 
Once again are we united and this time for 
ever. N othing shall part us as long as we live.” 

Like all good people they lived a very happy 
life. In time a son was born and later on a 
daughter was given to them, and they all 
rejoiced in one another’s happiness. 

Yalkut, Genesis § 16. 



THE COINS OF ELIJAH 





ELIJAH BESTOWS IIIS GIFT. 


76 




The Coins of Elijah 

CE upon a time there was a really 
pious man who was ever ready to 
assist all who needed his help. 
Prosperity and happiness smiled 
upon him. Y ear in and year out all went well 
with him and his dear ones. All of a sudden 
a change took place. The business which he 
carried on proved to be gradually showing a 
loss instead of the former profit. Trade began 
to dwindle, the regular customers died or moved 
away. Bad debts increased and eventually 
the entire fortune of the good man was lost. 
In order to provide for the daily needs of his 
wife and children he worked in the fields as a 
labourer paid by the day. The day's work was 
long and hard, but a good heart and a willing 
spirit enabled him to overcome all difficulties. 
He even spared a coin of his wages to help those 
in a worse plight than he found himself. 

Now it happened one day whilst he was 

77 



78 JEWISH FAIRY TALES 

engaged in ploughing a field that a stranger 
approached and greeted him, saying, — 

“ Peace be to thee and to all thy house.” 

He replied, — 

“ Peace be also to thee and thine.” 

The stranger then continued, — 

“ Friend, I come to tell thee that thou art 
destined to regain thy fortune and to live in 
affluence for a period of six years during thy 
life here on earth. It is thine to choose when 
this period shall begin ; shall it be now or 
later in life ? ” 

Astonished at the strange words which he 
had heard, the labourer looked at his com- 
panion to see if he was dreaming. 

“ Good stranger,” he cried, “ art thou a 
prophet or a magician that thou speakest in 
this wise ? I fear thou art a poor man even 
as I am. Go thy way in peace, for I cannot 
help thee to-day, for I am penniless at the 
moment. I should be happy to give thee a fee 
for thy happy forecast, but I cannot give what 
I have not got. Go in peace and may Heaven 
send thee help.” 

The stranger went away and the labourer 
resumed his work without thinking any more 
of the strange conversation which he had 
just had. After a short interval the stranger 
returned and repeated the offer, only to be 


THE COINS OF ELIJAH 


79 


refused. When, however, for the third time he 
urged the unwilling labourer to accept his gift 
by believing in the proffered promise, the poor 
toiler, weary of his hard daily struggle in the 
fields, at last consented to consult his wife before 
coming to a decision. A glimmer of hope in the 
possibility of the promise had arisen in his 
heart. 

“ Perhaps, after all,” he thought, “ kind 
Providence has sent this messenger to help me 
in my dire distress and that now the poverty 
which has harassed me and my dear ones will 
be replaced by wealth and prosperity.” 

He ran home as quickly as his legs would 
carry him and told his wife all that had tran- 
spired. He emphasized the insistence dis- 
played by the stranger. He said to his wife, — 
“ Assuming that the stranger is speaking the 
truth and that I am to be rich for a period of 
six years, when do you advise me to choose our 
time of prosperity— now or later in life ? ” 

After a moment’s consideration she cried, — 
" Now, now.” 

Her husband returned to the field without 
further delay and found the stranger awaiting 
his decision. When the labourer told him his 
wish to enjoy there and then the promised 
wealth and prosperity, the stranger opened his 
purse and took out two pieces of silver. 


80 JEWISH FAIRY TALES 

" Here, my friend,” he said, “ take these 
two coins and return them to me six years hence 
when I shall call on thee. Do not forget I 
shall require my money to be restored to me 
when I come to demand it.” 

After the labourer had taken the coins he 
thanked his benefactor and promised to return 
the gift as arranged. In a second the stranger 
had disappeared ; no trace of the direction he 
had taken was discerned by the labourer, who 
also recalled the fact that the stranger had 
come upon him all of a sudden. 

“ Very strange,” he said ; “ there is some 
mystery about this stranger, he seems to come 
from nowhere and to return to the same place.” 

No sooner had the labourer placed the silver 
coins in his pocket than he perceived a sudden 
change coming over him. He no longer felt 
the same man. His poverty and sorrow fled 
away from him and a new feeling of content- 
ment and security arose in his heart. He 
bowed his head in gratitude and thanked God 
for His manifold mercies. 

Meanwhile, wonderful events were occurring 
in his home. His eldest son was turning the 
soil in the garden at the back of their house, 
when he saw gold glittering in the sunlight. 
He dug deeper and deeper and continued to 
find the precious metal ; in fact there was 


THE COINS OF ELIJAH 81 

evidently a treasure which had been lying 
hidden there all the years of their poverty. 
The young man cried aloud in his joy. His 
mother and her other sons came to see what 
was amiss. As soon as she saw what was hap- 
pening she sent her youngest son to his father. 
She said, — 

“ Do not fail to tell him that God has given 
us back our fortune/' 

Before the door of their house, however, stood 
the father. In a moment he was with his 
wife and children, and uniting with them gave 
thanks to Him who giveth and taketh away. 

The pious man and his virtuous wife re- 
solved to make good use of their wealth as 
long as it was entrusted to their care. They 
were very happy because they were now in a 
position to help the poor who so sorely needed 
their assistance. The wife said to her good 
husband, — 

“ My dear, we must not forget that our 
prosperity will not last for ever. We are to be 
rich for six years only. Let us during this 
period feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and 
assist the needy. We shall always have the 
satisfaction of knowing that we made other 
people happy during the years of our good 
fortune. We shall be happy in realizing that 
we have made good use of our trust." 


82 


JEWISH FAIRY TALES 


“ Verily,” he said, “ the law of kindness is on 
thy tongue/ * 

Not a day passed without an occasion offering 
itself to these good people to bestow their 
wealth upon those less fortunate than them- 
selves. They did not fail in seizing every 
opportunity of doing an act of charity and kind- 
ness. The youngest son was told by his mother 
to keep an account of their own expenses 
and also an account of the money given in 
alms. 

The six years passed like a dream. One day 
the expected benefactor came to their house, 
and after receiving a warm welcome turned to 
his host and said, — 

“ The six years have passed and I have come 
to ask thee to return my money.” 

The pious man exclaimed, — 

“ Dear friend ! Thy demand is quite fair 
and just. Yet, stay ! I accepted thy gift 
only after I had consulted my wife, and now 
before I repay my debt, I must again ask her 
advice.” 

Whereupon he turned to his wife who was 
present and said to her, — 

“ Beloved wife ! please advise me how am 
I to repay our debt to our generous benefactor 
here ? ” 

“ Let me,” she cried, “ settle accounts with 


83 


THE COINS OF ELIJAH 

him.” Turning to him she said, “ I will show 
thee how we have spent the fortune entrusted 
to our care through thy kindness. Behold the 
account books.” 

The kind stranger looked with deep interest 
at the long lists recording the money spent in 
charity. 

“You have, indeed,” he cried, “ spent plenty 
of money.” 

“ But, good sir ! ” she added, “ if thou dost 
believe for a moment that thy money might be 
entrusted to better guardians, take away then 
thy gift. If, on the other hand, thou art satis- 
fied with the manner in which we have used 
the wealth placed in our care, then let us 
continue to hold our trust.” 

Thereupon the stranger, who was Elijah the 
prophet, blessed the good couple and bade 
them enjoy the wealth they knew so well how 
to use. In a moment the prophet had de- 
parted and the happy couple kept his coins 
and bequeathed them to their eldest son as a 
family heirloom. 

Yalkut, Ruth §§ 607, 601. 





f 














THE FOX AND THE RAVEN 


* 







86 






The Fox and the Raven 



3NE fine day a raven found a nice 
piece of fresh cheese, which he 
carried away to a favourite resting 
place on the leafy branch of a beau- 
tiful fig-tree. Believing himself to be out of 
harm’s way, he was about to eat and enjoy his 
booty, when he heard a well-known voice softly 
calling to him, — 

“ Good day, dear friend Raven.” 

Whence did the voice come ? Lo and be- 
hold, at the foot of the fig-tree stood Master 
Fox, eyeing with a greedy look the raven and 
the cheese. How to obtain the latter was the 
thought uppermost in the mind of the crafty fox. 

Being unable to climb the tree, he resolved 
to trick the raven so as to make him drop the 
cheese. Again Master Fox cried, — 

" Good day, dear friend Raven, thou art verily 
the most beautifuFof birds. If all the winged 
creatures beneath the heavens were gathered 
around thee, thou wouldst easily excel them all 
by reason of thy lovely feathers. Moreover, if 

87 


88 


JEWISH FAIRY TALES 


thou wouldst only sing then would thy song 
surpass the sweetest melody y>f any other of 
thy winged companions and thou wouldst 
become King of the birds.” 

The sweet words sank deeply into the raven's 
heart and he rejoiced at the prospect of attain- 
ing to such undreamt-of greatness. All that 
he had to do was merely to sing. 

Excited with joy and pride he quickly opened 
his mouth and raising his voice, he tried to 
sing. Alas ! he only croaked ; meanwhile the 
cheese fell from his mouth to the ground. The 
greedy fox pounced upon the prey and with a 
joyful cry he said, — 

" Dear friend Raven, never again will I 
listen to the voice of other sweet singers after 
hearing thy beautiful voice. Pray excuse me, 
if I hasten away to finish the cheese thou hast 
so generously given me as a reward for my 
flattery. Great indeed must be the power of 
pride since it overcomes the desires of thy 
appetite.” 

(The XHIth Table in R. Berachyah’s 

Fox Fables .) 


Printed lor Robert Scott, Publisher, Paternoster Row, London, by Butler & Tanner, Frojie. 













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